MONTHLY MEETING

 EZRA S. GRIFFIN CAMP #8

March 16, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Commander Bob Baker in ritualistic manner followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a Roll Call of Officers.

Other members in attendance were:

A motion was made by John Hart to accept the minutes non-read since most everyone present had a chance to read them via e-mail.  Joe Long seconded and all were in favor.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

Joe Long read the financial report with the following information:                    

     End balance currently $4,613.21

     122 members have paid their dues

     The 50/50 drawing was won by John Hart and he donated his winnings to the Help Member Fund.

A motion to accept the financial report was made by John Hart and seconded by Mike Grayson. All were in favor and the report was referred to the audit committee.

OLD BUSINESS:

Appomattox Day Luncheon – 22 people paid so far.  Joe Long suggested there should be a head table for the dignitaries.  Commander Bob Baker will be the toast master.  The SVR will post the colors and escort the dignitaries to the table.  Joe will check with Father McLaughlin about giving the Invocation and Benediction.  Joe Foley will play Amazing Grace on the pipes.  The luncheon is at 12:00 p.m.  Captain Hart reported that there will be a concert at the Scranton High School at 2:00 p.m. featuring the PA 28^th Regimental Band.  A special mailing will be made to all members concerning this day.

Lt. Sweeney reported that there will be an article in the Happenings Magazine plus he will get news releases to all newspapers in the area.  WVIA channel 44 will also have a segment on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. about the Civil War Day in Scranton.  Channel 22 has been asked to sponsor the day.

Commander Baker reported that Betty Smith of the Susquehanna County Historical Association has contacted him and stated that May 7, 2006 is a go for the Dedication of the Monument in Montrose.

MEMORIAL DAY:

Guest speaker for the service will be Todd O’Malley, member of the SVR.  Twenty (20) American Flags on 8 foot poles have been procured as a back drop.  Pledge of Allegiance by an Eagle Scout and Captain Hart may present his Eagle Scout Certificate at this time.  2^nd Lt. David Heisler will be the MC.  Scott Teeters will give the Opening Prayer and Benediction.  Howard Wolfe will make the ribbons and John Hart will do the programs.

Commander Hart reported that he has acquired a 30 foot aluminum flag pole to be placed at the Civil War Plot.  He has already had a donation of a large piece of granite where the pole will be placed.  He also wants us to consider a re-dedication when all is done.

There was a suggestion made to contact the 55^th Brigade, Major Sarnowski, to furnish a Spanish American War Honor Guard.

NEW BUSINESS:

Commander Baker did not attend the Friends of Scouting Dinner.  He had someone else handle info on the Eagle Scout Certificate Program. 

It was suggested that we appoint a committee to handle Open House functions.  We need to do a clean-up, dust all articles, clean windows and dust and mop floors, with Saturday, April 15, at 9:00 a.m. being the designated time.  At this time there was a motion to table this discussion by Ray Sulger and seconded by Bob Shaffer.  All were in favor.

4^th of July – 3 members are needed to carry the flags.  Commander Baker will sit with the rest of the dignitaries. 

A question was raised as to whether the Camp should pay the Pre-registration fees of those members attending the Department Encampment.  Discussion to follow.

Joe Long donated a group of books to Museum.

Captain Hart suggested that any information disseminated to the news media about the Camp should come from the Camp Commander.  Joe Long will handle the Memorial Association and Captain Hart will handle the SVR.

Captain Hart also requested an authorization to purchase a new light weight pole and eagle/spear for the Camp Flag.  The current pole is heavy and is irreplaceable if anything should happen.  A motion was made by Ray Sulger and seconded by Bob Shaffer to authorize this purchase.  All were in favor.

Scott Teeters, Camp Chaplain, passed around a sympathy card to be signed for the father of a former member, Charles Mercer.

Secretary Shaffer reported that the framed poster of Lt. Ezra S. Griffin, now in the hands of the Kromer’s in Bakersfield, California, will be packed and shipped to him next week.  The Kromer’s are donating the poster to the Camp and they will also pay all shipping charges.  All they require is a qualified appraisal as to what the poster is worth.  Secretary Shaffer suggested we do a newspaper article publically thanking all those involved in getting this piece of history back to its rightful home.  All were in favor.

Secretary Shaffer also reported on correspondence concerning the timely manner in which the Camp’s annual report should be submitted to the Department.

Lt. Sweeney suggested that we get the Camp’s Bible rebound.  He will check into pricing for the Camp members to review. 

With no further business, questions or discussion, a motion to adjourn was made and the meeting was closed in ritualistic manner.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert C. Shaffer

Secretary